Leeds step up pursuit of England goalkeeper

The Elland Road team has had various goalkeepers connected to them since Farke removed Meslier from the starting lineup.

According to a report by Alan Nixon in Sunday’s print edition of the Sun (20 April, page 57), they are preparing a £10 million approach for Sam Johnstone, a star for Wolves and England.

The 32-year-old has played in 73 Premier League games, recording 15 clean sheets during stints with the Old Gold, West Brom, and Crystal Palace.

Meslier has no way back at Leeds

Since Farke removed Meslier from the firing line following his errors against Swansea in a 2-2 draw on 29 March, Leeds has significantly improved, making it appear as though there is no turning back for Meslier.

The fact that the Whites are searching the market for a new number one before they are likely promoted to the top division for the first time since the 2022–2023 season serves to further support that notion.

The gap between the Premier League and the second division appears to be at an all-time high, with Southampton, Leicester, and Ipswich Town dropping right back down, thus Farke’s team has to add top players during the summer transfer window.

Both Johnstone and Caoimhin Kelleher, a custodian for Liverpool who has been linked to a move to the Peacocks, would be major improvements for the struggling Frenchman in goal.

That would be an excellent start to the transfer season, but if Leeds hope to stay in the big time after two years out and escape relegation, they will need to make a lot more additions.

In related news:

Leeds United set to do something generational at Elland Road for first time in 35 years

Elland Road is set to be rocking on Monday afternoon – and so might the streets later in the evening

With Leeds United on the verge of automatic promotion, Easter Monday is expected to bring a unique atmosphere to Elland Road.

Supporters have already received a rallying call from Daniel Farke, urging them to speak up as loudly as possible. A preview of what could happen has already been given to the athletes.

When the news broke that Sheffield United was trailing Plymouth Argyle 2-1 during the triumph over Preston North End, a jolt of excitement travelled through the stadium. Farke claimed that as a result, his players were more “on it.”

Ethan Ampadu acknowledged afterwards that it might have been a preview of the next two home games. The development plans are expected to cause Elland Road to grow over the next few years.

According to Paraag Marathe, the chairman of United and the head of 49ers Enterprises, he is eager to maintain the intimidating environment that is frequently produced inside the stadium, one that causes opposing players to feel uneasy and self-conscious.

He will undoubtedly be there at Monday’s match against Stoke City, where he and several other United executives will be able to see the full might of the Elland Road. The most valuable weapon in Leeds’ arsenal will be brought to mind once more.

For a one-club city that is seeing its team on the rise and on the verge of returning to the big time, 37,645 seats is, in all honesty, insufficient. But against Stoke, you can be certain that the ground will feel twice as full.

After the game, it’s safe to assume that the scenes outside Elland Road will be equally boisterous. If Leeds want to guarantee promotion on the day, they must first perform their duties.

Leeds will not be able to secure a top two berth on their own on Monday due to Sheffield United’s victory over Cardiff City on Good Friday. To maintain their ambitions of finishing in the top two, Sheffield United would need to defeat Burnley, who have not lost in 30 games, on their home pitch after gaining three points against Stoke. A draw would be insufficient.

After full time, the city as a whole, as well as the taverns, bars, and residences surrounding Elland Road, will be teeming with supporters. The main event will be the game at Turf Moor at 5:30 p.m.

Should Burnley take over, the area surrounding Elland Road will be a sea of blue, yellow, and white. The promised land would have been achieved, and promotion would have been secured.

What the Leeds players’ post-match preparations are in case they defeat Stoke are still unknown. Given that they themselves have a task to complete first, Farke is remaining calm and preventing his players from thinking beyond the upcoming match.

You can be sure that the team will be gathering someplace to watch the events at Turf Moor with great anticipation if a victory does materialise. In this sense, the players join the fan base. The current situation is intriguing.

It’s important to keep in mind that if Sheffield United defeats Burnley, it won’t be catastrophic. After defeating Stoke, Leeds will still lead the Blades by five points and have a stronger goal differential of 28, which won’t change in the next two or three games.

In this case, the celebration would begin with a victory over Bristol City at home. In fact, there might be a celebration against the Robins in any case if they defeat Stoke.

The two chances for it to be finished by the time the Whites play next are Sheffield United’s away match against Stoke on Friday and Leeds’ matchup with Bristol City. Leeds can win the match against Bristol City if it isn’t.

Whether it is decided on that day or earlier, Elland Road will be a wild place to party. Additionally, Leeds will celebrate joining the Premier League in front of their own supporters, something they haven’t done in 35 years.

Stadiums were closed to spectators when Liam Cooper carried the trophy in 2020. Cooper said earlier this year in an interview with Leeds Live that limitations prevented the team from celebrating as it ought to have.

Leeds has the opportunity to make up for that this time, and more. United did win promotion with supporters when they left League One in 2010, but this is clearly different. Supporters haven’t been there to see their team ascend to the top division since 1990, which is a whole generation that hasn’t experienced it. For this reason, this time would be particularly memorable, and the next two home games could be especially meaningful.